TOGGLE PADDLE

• US 20170124982A1
• Filed: 10/28/2016
• Published: 05/04/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Roth, Mark R.
• Granted Patent: US 10,685,623 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/08 involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots , e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors B60R1/025, B60R1/10 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1533 structural features not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/155 Electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/15145 the electrochromic layer comprises a mixture of anodic and cathodic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/44 Arrangements combining different electro-active layers, e.g. electrochromic, liquid crystal or electroluminescent layers
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/026 Control of mixing and/or overlay of colours in general G09G5/022 and G09G5/024 take precedence

Abstract

A rearview device for a vehicle having an electro-optic element. A first substrate includes first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substrate includes third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. An electro-optic medium is disposed in a cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element. A display device is disposed proximate the fourth surface of the second substrate. A toggle paddle is disposed behind the electro-optic element. The toggle paddle includes a plurality of distinct buttons. Each distinct button includes a distinct tactile indicia on a rear surface thereof.

Claims

1. A rearview device for a vehicle, comprising:

an electro-optic element comprising;

a first substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;

a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof, wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer;

an electro-optic medium disposed in a cavity, the electro-optic medium being variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states;

a first electrical connection and a second electrical connection, wherein the first and second electrical connections are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element;

a display device disposed proximate the fourth surface of the second substrate; and

a toggle paddle disposed behind the electro-optic element, the toggle paddle including a plurality of distinct buttons, wherein each distinct button includes a distinct tactile indicia on a rear surface thereof.

2. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein each distinct button is in communication with an engagement post.

3. The rearview device of claim 2, wherein each engagement post includes a spring assembly that biases at least one of the plurality of distinct buttons to a rearward position.

4. The rearview device of claim 1, further comprising:

a carrier plate that includes a peripheral edge within which the electro-optic element is supported.

5. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein the electro-optic element is partially transmissive and partially reflective.

6. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein each of the distinct buttons includes a body portion configured to closely complement and follow the peripheral edge of the housing.

7. The rearview device of claim 4, wherein only a lowermost portion of the toggle paddle is visible when the electro-optic element is viewed from an angle orthogonal to the first surface of the first substrate.

8. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein selection of one of the plurality of distinct buttons results in a visual indicia being visible proximate the first surface of the first substrate.

9. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein selection of one of the plurality of distinct buttons results in a visual indicia being displayed through the electro-optic element.

10. A display mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising:

an electro-optic element comprising;

a first substrate having first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof;

a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof;

a display device disposed proximate the fourth surface of the second substrate; and

a toggle paddle disposed behind the electro-optic element, the toggle paddle including a plurality of distinct buttons, wherein each distinct button includes a distinct tactile indicia on a rear surface thereof.

11. The display mirror assembly of claim 10, further comprising:

a carrier plate that includes a peripheral edge within which the electro-optic element is supported.

12. The display mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the distinct buttons includes a body portion configured to closely complement and follow the peripheral edge of the carrier plate.

13. The display mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein only a lowermost portion of the toggle paddle is visible when the electro-optic element is viewed from an angle orthogonal to the first surface of the first substrate.

14. The display mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein selection of one of the plurality of distinct buttons results in a visual indicia being visible at the first surface.

15. The display mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein selection of one of the plurality of distinct buttons results in a visual indicia being displayed through the electro-optic element.

16. A rearview device for a vehicle, comprising:

a toggle paddle disposed behind an electro-optic element, the toggle paddle including first and second selection buttons, wherein the first selection button includes distinctive tactile indicia on a rear surface thereof and the second selection button includes distinctive tactile indicia on a rear surface thereof; and

a first rearwardly extending post extending rearwardly from the first selection button and a second rearwardly extending post extending rearwardly from the second selection button, wherein each rearwardly extending post extends through a rear housing of said rearview device and into communication with a circuit board that controls functionality of a display mirror assembly.

17. The rearview device of claim 16, further comprising:

an electro-optic assembly operably coupled with the circuit board.

18. The rearview device of claim 16, further comprising:

a carrier plate that includes a peripheral edge within which the electro-optic element is supported.

19. The rearview device of claim 16, further comprising:

a housing including a rear side; and

a peripheral gap disposed between the rear side and the electro-optic element.

20. The rearview device of claim 19, wherein each of the first and second selection buttons is pivotally coupled to a hinge disposed between the rear side and the electro-optic element.